San Diego Symphony’s Martha Gilmer Named 2026 Impresario of the Year

Martha Gilmer, President and CEO of the San Diego Symphony, has been honored as the 2026 Impresario of the Year by Musical America, a prominent classical music publication with a legacy spanning 127 years. This accolade was announced on the morning of October 3, 2023, marking a significant achievement in Gilmer’s career, who has led the symphony since 2014. She is only the second individual to receive this prestigious recognition, following Michael Kaiser, the former president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, who was honored in 2007.

In a statement, Fred Cohn, features editor of the Musical America International Directory of the Performing Arts, praised Gilmer’s exceptional leadership, stating, “Martha Gilmer’s Impresario of the Year award recognizes her extraordinary efforts on behalf of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Her work has not only transformed the organization; it has had a significant impact on the community as a whole.”

Gilmer expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collaborative nature of her work. “I’m incredibly honored. And I am humbled because I have fabulous colleagues that I have learned so much from in my many years in this role,” she remarked in an interview with the Union-Tribune. She highlighted the importance of cultural institutions in a city and acknowledged the collective efforts that have supported the orchestra through challenging times.

Transformative Leadership and Community Impact

Since assuming her role, Gilmer has been instrumental in expanding the San Diego Symphony’s reach and impact. Significant milestones during her tenure include the appointment of Rafael Payare as the Music and Artistic Director in 2019 and the opening of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue costing $85 million. Additionally, the $163 million renovation of the Jacobs Music Center was completed last fall, further enhancing the orchestra’s facilities.

Reflecting on her journey, Gilmer stated, “I was given an incredible opportunity when I came here because the leadership of the San Diego Symphony had big dreams. What we have done would not be possible without the dreamers and the people who support the orchestra.”

Cohn further noted the significance of Gilmer’s achievements, explaining that her leadership has propelled the San Diego Symphony to a new level of operation and community engagement. “Being a community resource is essential for a contemporary musical organization, and that is something Martha clearly understands,” he added.

Payare echoed these sentiments, describing Gilmer as a “truly visionary leader.” He shared that their partnership has been characterized by tireless dedication and innovative thinking. “No matter how complex a project may seem, with Martha, as soon as we are close to completing one, we immediately begin dreaming about the next,” he said via email.

Future Endeavors and Community Engagement

Gilmer’s recent recognition is one of several honors she has received, including the 2025 Director of the Year award from the Corporate Directors Forum and the 2024 Cool Women accolade from the Girl Scouts of San Diego. She also received the 2022 Moving San Diego Forward Award from the Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Looking ahead, Gilmer aims to further elevate the San Diego Symphony’s national and international profile through increased recordings and touring opportunities. “It’s imperative that people, the stakeholders, feel included and that their ideas are heard,” she emphasized. She highlighted the orchestra’s commitment to community outreach, stating, “One of the things I’m so proud of is that we take our music to people who cannot get to our stages.”

In recent weeks, members of the orchestra have performed at various local facilities, including three medical centers and the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility. Gilmer noted, “Knowing that we are making a positive impact on people is inspiring to me and is crucial to what this orchestra does.”

As the San Diego Symphony continues to thrive under her leadership, Gilmer’s recognition as Impresario of the Year solidifies her legacy as a transformative figure in the classical music community, ensuring that the orchestra remains a vital part of San Diego’s cultural landscape.